Best Combi Drills UK for Tradespeople (2026): 7 Compared
Looking for the best combi drill for trade use? We compared seven of the most popular combi drills sold in the UK, from Milwaukee’s 158 Nm M18 FUEL down to a budget Einhell, so you can pick the right one before Black Friday.
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For heavy masonry drilling and big fixings, the Milwaukee M18FPD3 has the most torque here. The DeWalt DCD996N is the best all-rounder for DeWalt users, and the DeWalt DCD805NT is the pick if you want something compact. Bosch users should look at the GSB 18V-110 C, and the Einhell TE-CD 18/50 is the budget option. Choose your battery platform first, then the drill.
Best Combi Drills Compared
| Drill | Max torque (listed) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18FPD3-0X | 158 Nm | Heavy masonry, big fixings |
| DeWalt DCD996N | 95 Nm | All-round site use |
| DeWalt DCD805NT | 90 Nm | Compact, second fix |
| Bosch GSB 18V-110 C | 110 Nm | Bosch users, L-BOXX vans |
| Makita DHP482Z | 62 Nm (hard) | Makita LXT on a budget |
| Bosch GSB 18V-55 | 55 Nm | Lighter-duty work |
| Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i BL | 50 Nm | Budget first drill |
The Best Combi Drills for UK Tradespeople
1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL M18FPD3-0X
Best for heavy drilling and big fixingsThe fourth-generation M18 FUEL combi is the most powerful drill here on paper. Milwaukee lists 158 Nm of torque in a body only 175 mm long, a 13 mm metal chuck, and AUTOSTOP, which is designed to stop the drill over-rotating if the bit binds. If you drill into masonry all day or drive large fixings, this is the one to look at. This listing is the bare tool in a case, with no battery or charger.
2. DeWalt DCD996N 18V XR
Best DeWalt all-rounderA long-standing site favourite with three speeds (0 to 450, 1,300 and 2,000 rpm), 95 Nm of maximum torque and a 13 mm keyless chuck. DeWalt lists drilling capacities of 16 mm in masonry, 15 mm in steel and 55 mm in wood. A good fit if you are already on DeWalt 18V XR batteries. Bare unit only.
3. DeWalt DCD805NT 18V XR
Best compact combi drillA smaller, lighter brushless DeWalt with a 15-position torque collar, a two-speed all-metal transmission and an LED that pivots to light the work. The listing gives 90 Nm of torque, and it comes in a TSTAK box that stacks with the rest of the TSTAK range. A strong choice for second fix, kitchens and working overhead. Tool only, no battery.
4. Bosch Professional GSB 18V-110 C
Best for Bosch and L-BOXX usersBosch’s heavy-duty combi with a brushless motor, 110 Nm of maximum torque and a full-metal chuck. The listing also mentions an optional Bluetooth connection to a phone app for extra tool settings. It comes in an L-BOXX, which slots into Sortimo van racking. Check whether the listing you choose includes batteries.
5. Makita DHP482Z 18V LXT
Best value for Makita usersA compact, brushed-motor Makita combi that has been a staple of LXT kits for years. Retailer spec sheets list 62 Nm hard and 36 Nm soft torque, two speeds (0 to 600 and 0 to 1,900 rpm) and a 1.5 to 13 mm keyless chuck. This listing comes in a Makpac Type 3 case. It is not brushless, so it suits lighter work better than daily heavy masonry drilling. Body only.
6. Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55
Best for lighter-duty workA smaller brushless Bosch with 55 Nm of torque, solid metal gearing, a 13 mm Röhm metal chuck and an LED light. Bosch lists drilling diameters of up to 35 mm. It suits electricians, decorators and second fix work where a big drill is overkill. This version is the bare tool in a carton.
7. Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i BL
Best budget combi drillIf you are setting up on a tight budget, Einhell’s brushless combi gives you 50 Nm of torque, two speeds and drill, screw and hammer modes, running on the Power X-Change battery system that also powers Einhell’s garden tools. It is a light-duty tool next to the others here, but a sensible first drill or van spare. Supplied without a battery.
How to Choose a Combi Drill
Pick your battery platform first
The drill is the easy part. The batteries you buy with it decide which tools you buy for the next ten years, so choose the platform before the drill. If your mates or your firm all run one brand, sharing batteries on site is a real advantage. Our DeWalt vs Makita vs Milwaukee guide compares the three big systems.
Body only or kit?
Every drill above is listed as a bare tool or tool in a case, which only makes sense if you already own batteries. If you are starting from scratch, a kit with two batteries and a charger is usually better value, and Black Friday is when kits are discounted most. See our Black Friday tool deals guide for what to look out for.
Torque: how much do you need?
Around 50 to 60 Nm handles most screwing, plugs and pilot holes. If you regularly drill 10 mm and bigger holes in brick and block, or drive long timber screws, look at 90 Nm and above. For repeated large holes in concrete, an SDS drill is the right tool rather than a bigger combi.
Brushless is worth it for daily use
Brushless motors waste less energy as heat, so they get more work out of each battery charge. All of the drills here are brushless apart from the Makita DHP482Z.
Register it for the longer warranty
DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee all ask you to register new tools to get their full warranty, and the deadlines are short (about 28 to 30 days). Do it the day the drill arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a combi drill and a drill driver?
A combi drill adds a hammer action for drilling into brick, block and masonry. A drill driver only drills and drives screws, so it is lighter and smaller but no good for masonry.
How much torque does a combi drill need?
For most screwing and light drilling, 50 to 60 Nm is enough. For daily drilling into masonry and driving large screws, look for 90 Nm or more. For repeated large holes in concrete, use an SDS drill instead.
Is a brushless combi drill worth it?
For daily trade use, usually yes. Brushless motors run more efficiently, so you get more work per charge, and they suit heavy use better than brushed motors.
What does body only mean?
Body only, bare unit or tool only means the drill comes without a battery or charger. It is the cheaper way to buy if you already own batteries for that brand.
Can I use one brand's batteries in another brand's drill?
Not without third-party adapters, which manufacturers do not support and which can affect your warranty. Stick to one brand's battery platform where you can.
Related Guides
- DeWalt vs Makita vs Milwaukee UK
- Black Friday 2026 Tool Deals for UK Tradespeople
- Best Tool Storage Solutions for Tradespeople
- Best Wall Scanners UK
- Apprentice Electrician Tool List UK
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